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How are you and your small business connecting on the web?
I have been told that SMBs that are using the Internet simply as a way to advertise are missing the big picture. What else do you do to connect your business to your community? Your industry? Globally?
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2 Answers
Brook, If a small business really wants to connect with their customers and prospects, the creation of an opt-in email newsletter subscription list and consistent newsletter can yield rewards in sales, loyalty and reputation.
By using your newsletter to inform, update and provide "special" offers, you are able to stand out from the majority of your competitors, even without a web site.
Think about your local dry-cleaner. By simply having a sign-up list on the counter, a client has been able to build a list of over 200 subscribers. Each month, a short newsletter arrives that highlights a common cleaning/garment problem and a recommended solution along with a special "coupon" offer that is available only to their subscribers.
My last one offered to clean one sports uniform (baseball/softball) at the end of the season at no charge. My kids are all grown, but my neighbor has two young girls, and I gave the email newsletter to them. I have heard since that they took advantage of the offer, and dropped off the rest of their weekly laundry load as well, plus they signed up to receive their own newsletter. Most interesting, I got a big thank you for giving them the info. Everyone wins in this one, except the competition.
Just one idea that has been simple to set up, takes only a small amount of time once per month, and seems to be working effectively.
Engaging our customers in conversations and polls is a great way to find what they need, and helps create an openness that the audiences appreciate, rather than simply promote products. We get to know our followers and we interact on the same level. Its a great experience.
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